Levaquin Tendonitis getting progressively worse, in pain everyday

I am a 20 year old male who recently (3 months ago) became afflicted with Levaquin tendonitis.

I took the medication when I was younger for acne, but recently a doctor prescribed them to me for an infection.

2 weeks after I finished the course of medication, I experienced pain in both tendons, but more so my left.

It has been getting progressively worse in the past 3 months, and now am in pain everyday, and can barely do anything I used to do.

I was wondering what the chance of it get better is for my age group, and also if it getting more painful is a sign that it will snap.

Mark

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Joshua Answers:

Hi Mark.

Doctors gave you Levaquin for acne? That's crazy.

Moving on. I assume you're speaking of your Achilles tendons?

In general, being a 20 year old puts you in a category with better healing capability than a 70 year old, purely due to youth and the natural benefits that come with it.

Still, the problem with quinolones like Levaquin and Cipro is not the damage per se. It is the changes due to cytotoxicity. Meaning, it's not like stepping on a nail where you limp around a bit and heal.

Levaquin damage might actually be damaging the DNA, such that when new cells come in, they are damaged. This explains 'permanent' damage.

It's not necessarily that you don't heal at all, it's that you heal 'bad'.

My point being, if it were just a one time Tendonitis injury, it wouldn't be such a problem.

Your second question about increasing pain and likelihood of separation:

Quite possibly. There isn't a direct correlation, but...if your pain is correlated to amount of tissue degradation, then yes.

I wouldn't freak out about it, because there's nothing really to do about it except stay off it, and that may or may not be doable for you. (Of course, if the tendon does separate, you'll be off your feet a bit anyway)

The increase in pain could just be an increase in the Process of Inflammation which releases chemicals which enhance your sensitivity to pain thus making your hurt more.

Here's my minor suggestions:

1. Ice Dip and Ice Massage as described on How To Reduce Inflammation. The more waste product you get out and the more new blood and nutrition you get in, the better.